(GP/GT) for Additional Water Supply in the Lower Rio Grande

Chapter II
Summary of Injection Control Rules
Underground injection procedures governing operations in Texas are prescrtbed by
Statewide Rules 9. 46. and 74. Chapter 27 of the Texas Water Code. and Title 3 of the Texas
Natural Resources Code. Highlights 'of these directives are outlined below; however. it is
essential that individuals or entities engaged in underground injection operations be
thoroughly familiar and comply with these requirements on a timely basis. A copy of all
Statewide Rules may be procured by contacting the Secreta.ry. Railroad COmmission of
Texas. Capitol Station. P.O. Box 12967. Austin. Texas 78711.
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The StatewIde Rules applicable to disposal wells. Injection wells. and hydrocarbon
storage wells are Rules 9. 46. and 74. respectively. These rules are summarized below:
however. the complete Rules 9. 46. and 74 and applicable fonns with instructions may be
found in Appendixes B and C. respectively. in this report.
The Commission has adopted Statewide Rule 81 concerning brine mining injection wells.
Rule 81 will become effective upon approval by EPA of the Commission's regulatory program
for these wells.
Rule 9-Disposal Wells
Infonnatlon regarding the disposal of salt water. or other oU and gas waste. by injection
into a porous fonnation not productive of 011: gas. or geothennal resources is outlined in
Statewide Rule 9. Other matters contained In the Rule consist of fiUng of application (Form
W-14): notice and opportuni ty for hearings: protested applications: geological requiremen ts:
and special eqUipment reqUirements.
The Rule also outlines Instructions regarding records maintenance. and monitoring and
reporting, testing and plugging disposal wells. Further. it outlines Instructions regarding
penalties to be Imposed for noncompliance wi th the Rule. Penni t revocation may result as a
consequence of noncompliance.
Rule 46- Fluid Injection into Productive Reservoirs
Statewide Rule 46 governs applications for the penniwng offluid injection into reservoirs
productive of 011. gas or geothermal resources. Application for a pennit is on Railroad
Commission Forms H-l and H-IA. The Rule also contains matters regarding: the
application review: notice and opportunity for hearing: protested applications: and
modification. suspension or tennination of pennlts for one or more of several causes.
Included In Statewide Rule 46 are reqUirements regarding: casing and cementing (In
accordance with Statewide Rule 13): special eqUipment (tubing and packer. pressure
observation valves): records main tenance: moni torlng and reporting: testing: plugging: and
penalties for violations of the Rule.
Rule 74-Underground Hydrocarbon Storage
This Rule prescribes the methodology applicable to the pennlttlng of an underground ..
hydrocarbon storage facility. It outlines the procedures for: filing of applications (Form
H-4): technical requirements pertinent to the storage fac!l1ty: notice of and opportunity for
hearing: transfer of pennlts: and subsequent Commission action.
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